Coconut oil has been in the news again, prompting
several inquiries from people wanting to know if we recommend its use to our
patients. At the Block Center, we
actually recommend limiting its use, and here’s why: On the positive side, coconut oil is about
75% medium chain triglycerides (MCT), thought to have unique properties that
may be somewhat beneficial. For one,
they are more easily digested than other fats, and are absorbed intact and
delivered directly to the liver to be used as energy. On the negative side, the remaining 25% are
long chain fats and mostly saturated fat, similar to what you find in animal
products. It’s this 25% that we’re
concerned about for our patients, and why we advise it be used only
occasionally. We recommend coconut oil
primarily for patients who need a concentrated calorie source, and in these
cases, we suggest distilled MCT oil, because the undesirable long chain fats
have been removed.
If you choose to include coconut oil in your diet,
it is best to choose virgin coconut oil (VCO). Made from fresh coconut kernel
and expressed by a cold press technique, VCO preserves poly-phenolic
anti-oxidants which have healthful benefits, such as counteracting oxidative
stress. Although the high saturated fat content of coconut oil makes it
resistant to oxidation, this oil type has a relatively low smoking point (or
heat tolerance) of about 175 °C (347 F). If cooked at a higher temperature than
its heat tolerance, an oil produces volatile aldehydes, which can have
detrimental health effects. Many other oils such as canola oils have been
reported to have a superior heat tolerance, and may therefore be better choices
to use for cooking.
Similar recommendations apply for coconut milk; its
consumption should be limited. Although
there are canned coconut milks that have some of the fat removed, they’re going
to be more processed. If you’re looking
for a dairy alternative, we believe almond milk, rice milk and soy milk are all
better options.
For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.